Over the past decade, the rise of “bedroom musicians” has reshaped the musical landscape. These independent creators, ranging from passionate newcomers to seasoned artists, have embraced modern production methods while channeling influences from the technical prowess of guitar greats. Among this wave of innovative musicians stands Sergio Castro, a classically trained guitarist from Guimarães, Portugal, whose progressive rock project Mostly Nothing has steadily evolved over the past decade. With his latest release, The Weight of Us, Castro delivers his most compelling and dynamic work to date—an instrumental journey that truly pushes boundaries and sets a benchmark for the genre in 2025.
The album opens with the brief but evocative “A Winter’s Tale,” an 80-second prelude that sets the tone with a delicate yet vibrant ambiance. It seamlessly transitions into “Reminiscing”, which together with “To Watch Them Go,” bookends the record with purposeful energy and emotive flair. “Keep Moving” stands out as one of the most dynamic offerings, effortlessly shifting between heavy progressive grooves, jazzy interludes, and expansive walls of sound topped with soaring guitar leads. This track encapsulates the album’s adventurous spirit and hints at the diverse sonic palette that follows.
“Those Who Care,” the longest track on the album, builds upon themes introduced in the opening moments, revisiting melodies and rhythmic motifs with a progressive metal edge. The two-part suite “The Better Days” takes a gentler approach, leaning heavily into jazz-influenced textures. However, it is “Honesty” that emerges as the album’s most unconventional and daring piece. Its frantic energy and fragmented structure may initially seem jarring, but the track’s reliance solely on Castro’s classical guitar lends it a raw and familiar charm that ultimately feels integral to the album’s narrative arc.
What sets The Weight of Us apart is Castro’s ability to strike a delicate balance between complexity and accessibility. His compositions are intricate without being alienating, blending technical prowess with infectious melodies and robust song structures. The album’s genre-defying fluency is evident throughout, with moments of drop-tuned chugging seamlessly woven alongside classical-inspired guitar and piano passages. The result is a collection of tracks that are challenging, but engaging.
There is something profoundly satisfying about witnessing an artist come into their own. While Castro’s previous releases have always been distinctive, The Weight of Us represents a definitive statement in his discography. It showcases a musician who not only embraces technical brilliance but also understands the importance of creating a cohesive listening experience. For aspiring solo musicians and fans of progressive rock alike, Mostly Nothing‘s latest offering is both an inspiration and a challenge—a celebration of joyful complexity that never loses sight of the sheer pleasure of music.
The Weight of Us is available on Bandcamp. Follow Mostly Nothing on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
While Castro’s previous releases have always been distinctive, The Weight of Us represents a definitive statement in his discography.
